Boxers collide in ‘The Rampage’ tonight

May 28, 2011 Sports

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Caustic barbs and open threats were the order of the day when the boxers scheduled to appear in ‘The Rampage,’ the 48 rounds boxing extravaganza at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall (CASH) tonight, gathered at the pre-fight press conference in the studios of the National Communication Network yesterday afternoon.
What should have been a forum to discuss strategies erupted into a vitriolic battle as the various principals hurled threats in the direction of their opponents. Lennox ‘Pretty Boy’ Allen was anything but pretty as he disclosed what he has planned for Kwesi ‘Hitman Lightening Struck Assassin’ Jones. “You will not get past 4 rounds,” he said in a matter of fact tone.
“So you believe,” retorted Jones. “I also have plans to knock you out so you had better come prepared for it,” he continued. President of the Guyana Boxing Board of Control (GBBC), Peter Abdool edged past the vile comments to inform media representatives that the fight was a direct spin-off of the monthly ProAm boxing affair.
He explained that after Jones had defeated all comers, including former British Champion and world rater, Howard ‘Battersea Bomber’ Eastman, he had qualified to fight for prestigious titles. He was successful in his attempt at the local light/heavyweight title against Leon ‘The Lion’ Gilkes in a previous ProAm card and will now display his wares in ‘The Rampage’ tonight.
Jones remained nonplussed by Allen’s show of confidence and also predicted an early end to the bout. “He had better watch out because round three is the exact round I have in mind to close up shop,” he quipped.
Elton ‘Coolie Bully’ Dharry and Dexter ‘The Kid’ Marques also engaged in the exchange of vile barbs. Both fighters have a victory over Orland ‘Pocket Rocket’ Rogers and the debate was which of them scored the more impressive win. “Just imagine I stopped Rogers very early but it took Dexter twelve whole rounds to do it,” boasted the ‘Coolie Bully.’
“Dharry is a good kid but he has no idea what it feels like to fight past 6 rounds,” exhorted Marques. “Yeah, I know,” retorted Dharry, “Marques’ 6 rounds against Rogers are like my six rounds of shadow boxing.”

Shortly afterwards, Kurt Bess arrived in the studio and had scarcely settled before he was assailed by threats from Mitchell Rogers. The two will battle for the third time after each scored a victory in earlier fights. “The (previous) loss to Bess had really upset me and I went back to the drawing board, analyzed my mistakes and dedicated my time in the gym correcting them,” said Rogers.
He said that he could not fathom a loss since he is well primed up and focused for the bout. “This will be the best heavyweight bout hosted locally and long after it is over many will remember it,” declared Rogers. “Bess will not last the distance,” he concluded.
Bess was not fazed by the threats; “I am not scared of cheap talks but have come a long way and am prepared for war!” Pressed for a prediction Bess retorted, “At the end of the fight I will be victorious, I am not interested in predictions.”
Ray Sandiford is only now making his professional debut against Cecil Smith. In what is expected to be Smith’s experience against Sandiford’s determination, the latter fighter brazenly proclaimed that he will beat up the former. “Smith is a sloth and I will not allow him to get past me,” promised Sandiford.
“This kid is hardly in any position to make such boasts,” retorted Smith, “I hope he is prepared to back his chat when I rain punches upon him.”
DeClou is not noted for bragging but when Pompey fired away at him he responded in kind. “I have a score to settle with DeClou and I will ensure that the judges do not have a say in the verdict,” said Pompey.
“I still believe I should have got the verdict in our last bout and I will ensure that this bout doesn’t end that close,” DeClou retorted.
The fighters have had their say and tonight their fists will be required to do the talking. The card is scheduled for 48 rounds but from the tones and moods of the various principals, fans will obviously have to settle for less. While this is obvious, it is also obvious that the knockout would compensate for the lesser rounds. That is, once the boxers keep their respective promises. From all indications they are as serious as can be.
Meanwhile, Banks DIH Ltd has agreed to offset the purse of their employee, Mitchell Rogers. Earlier, the executives of that conglomerate had flexed the work hours of the heavyweight king. “My way of repaying them is to win convincingly,” declared Rogers.
Several corporate entities have donated considerable sums towards the success of the card including Digicel, Courts, Ansa McAl, Giftland Office Max, Guyoil, Hand in Hand Insurance and Abdools and Abdools Insurance Brokers. “We are grateful for such valued inputs,” said Mr. Abdool.
The battle lines are drawn, the boxers are ready. It is lights, camera, action.
Gates open at 06:30hrs while tickets could be had at the CASH from 10:00hrs this morning. Fight time is 20:00hrs sharp.

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